Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva Attends ‘Thikra: Night of Remembering’ Performance in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: First Vice-President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, accompanied by members of her family, attended a performance of Thikra: Night of Remembering at the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater on November 1 as part of the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF-2026).

The production, directed and choreographed by internationally acclaimed artist Akram Khan, was commissioned by Wadi AlFann, a global contemporary art destination based in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.

Created in collaboration with award-winning visual artist Manal Al-Dowayan, the performance represents the final touring production of the Akram Khan Company. It draws inspiration from the ancient landscapes, mythology and rich cultural heritage of Al-Ula.

Through sacred rituals, collective memories and artistic expression, an all-female ensemble explores the connections between past and present, transcending the boundaries of time and presenting a powerful narrative of spiritual renewal.

The production features an original musical score composed by Indian-American singer and composer Aditya Prakash, adding a distinctive musical dimension to the theatrical experience.

The visual concept and artistic aesthetics were developed by Manal Al-Dowayan, a Wadi AlFann artist internationally recognised for her large-scale multimedia installation presented at the Saudi Arabian Pavilion during the 60th Venice Biennale.

In the Thikra project, Al-Dowayan combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic techniques. Natural dyes inspired by the desert landscape establish the production’s colour palette, while geometric patterns drawn from Al-Ula’s cultural heritage emphasise the symbolic identity and significance of each character.

The performance brings together theatre, dance, music and visual arts to explore the historical and cultural legacy of Al-Ula through a contemporary artistic perspective.

The world premiere of Thikra: Night of Remembering was staged at a specially selected location in Al-Ula in January 2025.

The presentation at the Baku International Arts Festival highlights Azerbaijan’s growing role as a platform for international cultural exchange and artistic collaboration, bringing acclaimed global productions to local audiences.